News Release

Thursday, January 13, 2000

LAPD Police Officer and Suspect Injured in Shooting

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, January 13, 2000
On Wednesday, January 12, 2000, at approximately 11:40 P.M., Harbor Area uniformed patrol Officers Phillip Clayson, Serial No. 32251, 31 years of age, four years with the Department, and John Gregozek, Serial No. 34087, 26 years of age, two and one half years with the Department, were searching for a murder suspect in the vicinity of the Dana Strand Housing Development in the Wilmington Area. The officers observed a group of possible gang members in the development congregating near a cul-de-sac. As the officers approached on foot, the group began to disperse and walk away in different directions. One suspect, however, began to run away and Officer Clayson ordered him to stop. The suspect did not comply and ran to the porch of a nearby residence, attempting to gain entry. The suspect was unable to gain entry. The officers caught up to him and attempted to physically restrain him. At this time, the suspect, who had armed himself with a semi-automatic pistol, fired his weapon while continuing to struggle with the officers. Officer Gregozek, upon hearing the shot, stepped back to arm himself. The suspect, who continued to struggle with Officer Clayson, fired additional rounds from his weapon at Officer Gregozek. Officer Gregozek, in fear for his life, fired several rounds from his service pistol, wounding the suspect, who then dropped his weapon and fell to the ground.

Officer Clayson then alerted Officer Gregozek that he had been wounded. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and provided emergency treatment to Officer Clayson and the suspect. Officer Clayson and the suspect were transported to a local hospital. Officer Clayson was treated for gunshot wounds to his upper torso and right hand. The suspect was treated for multiple gunshot wounds to his lower torso and is listed in critical condition. Officer Clayson was admitted to the hospital in stable condition and will remain hospitalized while further tests are administered.

The suspect's 9MM semi-automatic pistol was recovered at the scene. The suspect, who has not been identified, is described as a male Hispanic in his forties, when he recovers from his injuries, will be booked for attempted murder of a police officer.

Robbery Homicide Division is conducting the investigation. Please direct all inquiries to the Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.